U.S. patent number 9,352,627 [Application Number 14/294,853] was granted by the patent office on 2016-05-31 for trailing arm suspension beam assembly.
This patent grant is currently assigned to SAF-HOLLAND, Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is SAF-HOLLAND, INC.. Invention is credited to Bill Broene, Greg Galazin, Ed Hammer, Roger L. Jansen, III, Greg Thorwall.
United States Patent |
9,352,627 |
Galazin , et al. |
May 31, 2016 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Trailing arm suspension beam assembly
Abstract
A suspension assembly includes an axle member, a first trailing
beam assembly and a second trailing beam assembly. The first
trailing beam assembly and the second trailing beam assembly each
include a first end operably coupled to a vehicle frame and a
second end that includes a downwardly opening recess, wherein the
recess includes an outer periphery, the axle member is positioned
within the recess, and wherein a weld extends about the entire
periphery of the recess, thereby securing the trailing beams to the
axle member.
Inventors: |
Galazin; Greg (Muskegon,
MI), Hammer; Ed (Muskegon, MI), Broene; Bill (Lowell,
MI), Thorwall; Greg (West Olive, MI), Jansen, III; Roger
L. (Holton, MI) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SAF-HOLLAND, INC. |
Holland |
MI |
US |
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Assignee: |
SAF-HOLLAND, Inc. (Holland,
MI)
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Family
ID: |
46932289 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/294,853 |
Filed: |
June 3, 2014 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20140375014 A1 |
Dec 25, 2014 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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14007874 |
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PCT/US2012/030715 |
Mar 27, 2012 |
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61486359 |
May 16, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60G
7/008 (20130101); B60G 9/00 (20130101); B60G
11/28 (20130101); B60G 7/02 (20130101); B60G
9/003 (20130101); B60G 9/006 (20130101); B60G
2206/8201 (20130101); B60G 2206/8207 (20130101); B60G
2204/126 (20130101); B60G 2200/31 (20130101); B60G
2202/152 (20130101); B60G 2204/4306 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B60G
3/12 (20060101); B60G 7/00 (20060101); B60G
9/00 (20060101); B60G 7/02 (20060101); B60G
11/28 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;280/124.11,124.116,124.128,124.13,124.153 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Fleming; Faye M
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Prince Heneveld LLP
Claims
The invention claimed is as follows:
1. A suspension assembly, comprising: an axle member; a first
trailing beam assembly including a first trailing beam having a
first end operably coupled to a vehicle frame and having a second
end that includes an outwardly opening first recess, the first
recess including an outer periphery, wherein the axle member is
position within the first recess, and wherein a first weld extends
about the entire periphery of the first recess, thereby securing
the first trailing beam to the axle member; and a second trailing
beam assembly including a second trailing beam having a first end
operably coupled to the vehicle frame and having a second end that
includes an outwardly opening second recess, the second recess
including an outer periphery, wherein the axle member is position
within the second recess, and wherein a second weld extends about
the entire periphery of the second recess, thereby securing the
second trailing beam to the axle member; and, wherein a portion of
the first weld located proximate a leading edge of the first recess
and a portion of the second weld located proximate a leading edge
of the second recess are each located between about 30.degree. and
about 45.degree. below horizontal.
2. The suspension assembly of claim 1, wherein the first recess and
the second recess are each downwardly opening.
3. The suspension assembly of claim 1, wherein the first weld is
uninterrupted about the periphery of the first recess, and the
second weld is uninterrupted about the periphery of the second
recess.
4. The suspension assembly of claim 1, wherein the portion of the
first weld located proximate the leading edge of the first recess
and the portion of the second weld located proximate the leading
edge of the second recess are each located about 35.degree. below
horizontal.
5. The suspension assembly of claim 1, wherein a portion of the
first weld located proximate a trailing edge of the first recess
and a portion of the second weld located proximate a trailing edge
of the second recess are each located between about 25.degree. and
about 45.degree. above horizontal.
6. The suspension assembly of claim 5, wherein the portion of the
first weld located proximate the trailing edge of the first recess
and the portion of the second weld located proximate the trailing
edge of the second recess are each located about 8.degree. above
horizontal.
7. The suspension assembly of claim 1, wherein a portion of the
first weld located proximate a trailing edge of the first recess
and a portion of the second weld located proximate a trailing edge
of the second recess are located between about 25.degree. and about
45.degree. above horizontal.
8. The suspension assembly of claim 7, wherein the portion of the
first weld located proximate the trailing edge of the first recess
and the portion of the second weld located proximate the trailing
edge of the second recess are located about 8.degree. above
horizontal.
9. A suspension assembly, comprising: an axle member; a first
trailing beam assembly including a first trailing beam having a
first end operably coupled to a vehicle frame and having a second
end that includes an outwardly opening first recess, the first
recess including an outer periphery, a leading edge and a trailing
edge, wherein the axle member is position within the first recess
and a first weld extends at least partially about the outer
periphery of the first recess, wherein the first weld comprises an
uninterrupted weld that extends about a majority of the entire
periphery of the first recess; and a second trailing beam assembly
including a second trailing beam having a first end operably
coupled to the vehicle frame and having a second end that includes
an outwardly opening second recess, the second recess including an
outer periphery, a leading edge and a trailing edge, wherein the
axle member is position within the second recess and a second weld
extends at least partially about the outer periphery of the second
recess, wherein the second weld comprises an uninterrupted weld
that extends about a majority of the entire periphery of the second
recess; and wherein a portion of the first weld located proximate a
leading edge of the first recess and a portion of the second weld
located proximate a leading edge of the second recess are each
located between about 30.degree. and about 45.degree. below
horizontal.
10. The suspension assembly of claim 9, wherein the first weld
extends about the entire periphery of the first recess, thereby
securing the first trailing beam to the axle member, and wherein
the second weld extends about the entire periphery of the second
recess, thereby securing the second trailing beam to the axle
member.
11. The suspension assembly of claim 9, wherein the portion of the
first weld located proximate the leading edge of each of the first
recess and the portion of the second weld located proximate the
second recess are each located about 35.degree. below
horizontal.
12. The suspension assembly of claim 9, wherein the portion of the
first weld located proximate the leading edge of the first recess
and the portion of the second weld located proximate the leading
edge of the second recess are each located about 35.degree. below
horizontal.
13. The suspension assembly of claim 12, wherein a portion of the
first weld located proximate the trailing edge of each of the first
recess and the portion of the second weld located proximate the
second recess are each located about 8.degree. above
horizontal.
14. The suspension assembly of claim 9, wherein the first recess
and the second recess are each downwardly opening.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an axle suspension system for
heavy vehicles, and in particular to a trailing arm assembly with
increased strength and which is adapted to increase the durability
of an associated vehicle axle.
A variety of vehicle suspension systems utilizing air springs have
been developed for use within semi-tractor trailer and other heavy
duty vehicles. These systems control the relative position of the
chassis with respect to an associated axle or axles and also to
cushion the relative movement of the axle(s) toward the chassis
frame. The suspension systems, and particularly the components such
as the trailing arms and axle assemblies thereof, undergo
significant stress during operation of the vehicle. Specifically,
the connection between the trailing arms and the associated axle
undergo significant stress when typical operational loads are
exerted thereon, both in the vertical and lateral directions. While
many systems have been developed to reduce such stress, previous
approaches have been relatively expensive, and at times only
marginally effective.
There is a need for a lightweight and inexpensive air spring
suspension system that reduces the stress exerted between the
trailing arms of the suspension system and the associated axle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a suspension system that includes a
trailing arm assembly embodying the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the suspension system, wherein
a braking assembly has been removed to better illustrate the
trailing arm assembly;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the trailing
arm assembly;
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the first embodiment of the
trailing arm assembly;
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the first embodiment of the trailing
arm assembly;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an end of the first embodiment of
the trailing arm assembly;
FIG. 7A is an enlarged, partial perspective view of the suspension
system, and in particular the trailing arm assembly;
FIG. 7B is an enlarged, partial perspective view of the suspension
system, and in particular the trailing arm assembly;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged side elevational view of the first embodiment
of the trailing arm assembly;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the trailing
arm beam assembly;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a trailing arm beam of the second
embodiment of the trailing arm beam assembly;
FIG. 11a is a rear perspective view of a spring support member of
the second embodiment of the trailing arm beam assembly;
FIG. 11b is a front perspective view of the spring support member
of the second embodiment of the trailing arm beam assembly;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the trailing
arm assembly;
FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the third embodiment of the
trailing arm assembly;
FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the third embodiment of the trailing
arm assembly;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the
trailing arm;
FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the fourth embodiment of the
trailing arm;
FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional top view of the fourth
embodiment of the trailing arm taken along the line XVII-XVII, FIG.
16; and,
FIG. 18 is a top plan view of a plurality of a fourth embodiment of
the trailing arm positioned within a rectangular casting core
box.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower,"
"right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and
derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
FIGS. 1 and 2. However, it is to be understood that the invention
may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences,
except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be
understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in
the attached drawings, and described in the following specification
are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the
appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise.
The reference numeral 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2) generally designates a
heavy duty vehicle suspension system that includes a plurality of
trailing arm assemblies 12 each embodying the present invention. In
the illustrated example, the vehicle suspension system 10 includes
a pair of tandem axle assemblies including a forward axle assembly
14 and a rearward axle assembly 16, respectively. Each of the axle
assemblies 14, 16 is supported by an associated trailing arm
assembly 12. Each trailing arm assembly 12 includes a trailing arm
or beam 18 having a first end 20 and a second end 21. The first end
20 is pivotally supported by an associated hanger bracket 22 that
is fixedly attached to and extends downwardly from a longitudinally
extending vehicle frame member 24. Specifically, the first end 20
of the hanger bracket 22 is pivotally coupled to the associated
hanger bracket 22 via a bushing assembly 25 to pivot about a pivot
axis 26. An air spring assembly 28 is positioned between an air
spring support 30 of the trailing arm assembly 12 and the vehicle
frame member 24.
As best illustrated in FIGS. 3-6, each trailing arm assembly 12
includes the trailing arm 18 and the air spring support 30. The
trailing arm 18 includes a body portion 32 having a bushing
aperture 34 located at the first end 20, and an axle adapter 36
located at the second end 21. The body portion 32 comprises a metal
alloy, is preferably integrally cast as a single piece, and
includes an I-shaped cross-sectional configuration including a
vertical web portion 40, a bottom flange 42, and an upper flange
44.
The axle adapter 36 of the trailing arm 18 includes an outwardly,
and specifically downwardly-opening, arcuately-shaped recess 46
that receives a vehicle axle 48 (FIGS. 7A, 7B) of the axle assembly
14, 16 therein. The axle adapter 36 further includes a pair of
laterally extending forward weld ears 50 and a pair of laterally
extending rearward weld ears 52. The recess 46 and the weld ears
50, 52 cooperate to define an axle seat periphery 54, about which
the trailing arm 18 is welded to the associated axle 14, 16. In
assembly, a single continuous weld 55 is preferably applied about
the entire length of the axle seat periphery, thereby reducing the
number of weld ends and increasing the durability of the axle
connection. Specifically, welding about the entire axle seat
periphery between the axle adapter 36 and the axle 48, reduces
stress risers associated with using multiple welds, and allows a
relatively thin axle wall to be utilized. As best illustrated in
FIG. 8, the forward weld ears 50 and rearward weld ears 52 are
positioned and configured with regards to the associated axle 14
such that the weld 55 positioned proximate a leading edge 65 of the
forward weld ears 50 preferably forms a negative angle .alpha. with
the horizontal 59 of between about 30.degree. to about 45.degree.,
and more preferably of about 35.degree., and such that the weld 55
positioned proximate a trailing edge 67 of the rearward weld ears
52 preferably forms a positive angle .beta. the horizontal 59 of
between about 25.degree. and about 45.degree., and more preferably
of about 8.degree., thereby reducing the stress exerted on the axle
connection by typical operational loads. The location of the weld
ears 50, 52, and thus the associated welds, significantly reduces
the stress swing exerted on the weld ears 50, 52 and the welds
55.
The air spring support 30 (FIGS. 3-6) of the trailing arm assembly
12 includes a top plate or spring support plate 56 upon which the
associated air spring assembly 28 is supported, and a pair of
support brackets 58 extending between the second end 21 of the
trailing arm 18 and the top plate 56. Specifically, each support
bracket 58 is generally triangularly shaped and includes a forward
edge 60 weldably secured to a rearward face 61 of the second end 21
of the trailing beam 18, a top edge 62 weldably secured to an
underside of the top plate 56, and a downwardly facing edge 64. The
top plate 56 is positioned with respect to the support brackets 58
such that a forward edge portion 66 of the top plate 56 overlies
the upper flange 44 of the trailing arm 18. The forward edge
portion 66 includes a welding window 68 which receives a weld,
thereby securing the top plate 56 to the trailing arm assembly 12.
It is noted that the weld window 68 is located on an outboard side
of the top plate 56 such that the top plate 56 is welded to a draft
surface of the trailing arm 18, thereby causing the top plate 56 to
"tilt" to the outboard side of the trailing arm 18. Specifically,
the spring supporting surface 57 of the top plate 56 is outwardly
canted with regards to at least one of the central axis member 39
and the central axis of the pivot axis 26 at an angle .infin. of
preferably within the range of between about 0.5.degree. and about
3.degree.; and more preferably within the range of between about
0.5.degree. and 1.5.degree.. As a result, loading of the overall
suspension system 10 causes the overall trailing arm assembly 12 to
"tilt" inboard such that the top plate or air spring mounting plate
56 is substantially parallel to upper air spring mounting plates 70
(FIG. 1) attached to the frame member 24. The resulting parallel
relationship between the top plate 56 and the associated upper air
spring mounting plate 70 reduces the wear exerted on the air spring
assembly 28 during operation.
The reference numeral 12a (FIGS. 9-11b) generally designates
another embodiment of the trailing arm assembly of the present
invention. Since the trailing arm assembly 12a is similar to the
previously described embodiment of the trailing arm assembly 12,
similar parts appearing in FIGS. 1-8 and FIGS. 9-11b respectively
are represented by the same, corresponding reference numeral,
except for the suffix "a" in the numerals of the latter. In the
illustrated example, the trailing arm assembly 12a includes the
trailing arm 18a and the air spring support 30a. The second end 21a
of the trailing arm includes a pair of rearwardly extending eyelets
or hinge members 100 having bolt-receiving apertures 102 extending
therethrough. The air spring support 20a is generally
arcuately-shaped and includes a forwardly-extending coupling
portion 104 and a rearwardly-located spring support plate 56a. The
coupling portion 104 includes a pair of laterally-spaced plate
portions 106 that flank the hinge members 100 and include apertures
108 that correspond to the apertures 102 and that receive bolts
110, thereby coupling the air spring support 20a with the trailing
arm member 18a. The end surface 111 of the trailing arm 18a is
machined and abuts a machined surface 113 of the air spring support
30a, so as to support downward forces exerted by the air spring 28
onto the air spring support 30a.
The reference numeral 12b (FIGS. 12-14) generally designates
another embodiment of the trailing arm assembly of the present
invention. Since the trailing arm assembly 12b is similar to the
previously described embodiment of the trailing arm assembly 12,
similar parts appearing in FIGS. 1-8 and FIGS. 12-14 respectively
are represented by the same, corresponding reference numeral,
except for the suffix "b" in the numerals of the latter. In the
illustrated example, the trailing arm assembly 12b includes the
trailing arm 18b and the air spring support 30b. The second end 21b
of the trailing arm 18b is rearwardly, downwardly sloped and is
defined by a rearward surface 80 and a ledge 82 that is vertically
offset below an uppermost surface of the trailing arm 18b. The
forward edge 60b of each of the support brackets 58b of the air
spring support 30b has a forwardly-opening concave shape that is
positioned about a complimentary convex shape of the rearward
surface 80 of the trailing arm 18b. The forward edge portion 66b of
the top plate 56b cantilevers and extends over the ledge 82 of the
second end 21b of the trailing arm 18b and is secured thereto via a
weld located within the welding window 68b. The air spring support
30b is further secured to the associated trailing arm 18b via welds
84, while the top plate 56b and the support brackets 58b are
secured to one another via a plurality of welds 86. This particular
configuration allows the overall height of the trailing arm
assembly 12b to be minimized, and allows vertical loads from the
air spring assemblies 28 to be supported by the trailing arm 18b
through compressive stresses within the ledge 82 and rearward
surface 80 of the trailing arm 18b.
The reference numeral 18c (FIGS. 15-17) generally designates
another embodiment of the trailing arm of the present invention.
Since the trailing arm 18c is similar to the previously described
embodiment of the trailing arm 18, similar parts appearing in FIGS.
3-6 and FIGS. 15-17 respectively are represented by the same,
corresponding reference numeral, except for the suffix "c" in the
numerals of the latter. As best illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the
overall height h defined between an uppermost portion of the recess
46c and the substantially perpendicularly located upper surface of
the trailing arm 18c is reduced. This reduction in overall height
is accomplished by providing a relatively thick portion 40c' to the
web portion 40c of the trailing arm 18c proximate the recess 46c,
whereat the portion 40c of the web portion 40c has a relatively
greater thickness t'' compared to the thickness t' of the web
portion 40c extending along the remaining length of the trailing
beam 18c. Preferably, the thickness t'' is between 2 and 8 times
greater than the thickness t'. It is noted that the trailing arm
18c does not include vertically extending reinforcement webs
proximate to the forward edge of the recess 46c, thereby providing
a reduction in the overall weight of the trailing arm 18c.
The reference numeral 18d (FIG. 18) generally designates yet
another embodiment of the trailing arm of the present invention.
Since the trailing arm 18d is similar to the previously described
embodiment of the trailing arm 18, similar parts appearing in FIGS.
3-6 and FIG. 18 respectively are represented by the same,
corresponding reference numeral, except for the suffix "d" in the
numerals of the latter. The trailing arm 18d is provided with an
overall curvalinear body shape thereby allowing "nesting" of a
plurality of trailing arms 18d with one another within an
associated casting core box 88. The nesting of the trailing arms
18d with one another reduces the overall area required within the
casting core box 88, thereby increasing yield per mold during the
casting process, resulting in a reduction in costs for
manufacturing each beam and increasing the overall efficiency of
the foundry.
The present inventive trailing arm assembly and related suspension
system increases the durability of the associated axle connection,
while simultaneously reducing the weight. The trailing arm assembly
and suspension system is efficient in assembly and use, is capable
of a long operating life, and is particularly well adapted for the
proposed use.
The above description is considered that of the preferred
embodiments only. Modifications of the invention will occur to
those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the
invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown
in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative
purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention,
which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according
to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of
equivalents.
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